Torrence Boone is the managing director of agency business development for Internet and software giant Google. Boone’s responsibilities include strengthening and maintaining Google’s relationships with marketing and advertising agencies in the Americas. He also oversees his team with the goal of generating innovative ideas to leverage Google’s extensive array of products.

Before joining Google in 2010, Boone was the CEO of Enfatico, a full-service agency that worked on global marketing needs for the Dell computer company, its founding client. Boone was also president of Digitas Boston, which provides strategy, technology and marketing solutions to its Internet-based clients.

Torrence Boone is making history as … a leading African-American voice in the tech world. Boone’s years of professional experience landed him at Google, one of the most influential tech companies in the world.

What’s next for Boone?

Boone is entering his second year at Google. He is also a patron of the arts, and sits on the board of the Joyce Theater in New York.

A little-known fact about Torrence Boone …

Boone was at one point a professional dancer. He started dancing at age 13 while attending the prestigious boarding school Phillips Andover. After going to Harvard Business School he took a summer off to dance for Jacob’s Pillow, a dance center in the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

For more information about Torrence Boone, click THE”>here GRIO’S Q & A WITH TORRENCE BOONE

Q: What’s next for you in this chapter of your life?

A: I’m fascinated by the complexities of business leadership and I plan to continue building on my capabilities and contributions in this area. I’m also an aspiring fiction writer and plan to complete my second novel. (My agent is shopping the first.) I’ve become more active on boards — both corporate and non-profit — so I plan to increase my focus and contributions here as well.

Q: What’s something about you that many people don’t know?

A: I enjoy rock climbing.

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

A: From Lao Tzu: “Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.”

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: Solitude. Art. Books. My team. Exceptional leaders. The passion and commitment I observe from people who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.

Q: Who are/were your mentors?

A: At Bain: Kim Ogden, Chris Bierly, Phyllis Yale, Jim Gilbert. At Avenue A (now Razorfish): Jim Warner. At Digitas: David Kenny, Laura Lang. At WPP: Sir Martin Sorrell. At Google: Bonita Stewart, Dennis Woodside, and Margo Georgiadis.

Q: What advice would you give anyone who wants to achieve their dreams?

A: Know your true self first. Focus on excellence. Build productive habits well-aligned with your goals and aspirations.